Expert: Jason Grabill - 8/25/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am interested to know if a prior service (Vietnam/Persian Gulf) Navy veteran of 25 years (8 active-16 reserve) at age 59, can return to active duty or reserve? I was in the submarine and air reserve - serving on P3's and retired with a HYT (E-6/AT1) rating - I did pass the ATC exam three times but with PNA due to quotas and time in service - with a BSEE, and now retired reserve. I would be interested in re-instatement/acquirement as an officer (LDO/CWO) opportunity or "deal" to come back to reserve/active duty. First - is this possible - and with my experience in the communications and IT (data storage and disaster-recovery arena for the last 21 years) has prompted me to inquire about similar opportunities available in the Navy as an officer since I had the BS Degree before I was let go...I am now enrolled in a MSCIS Degree and hope to graduate the end of this year.
Have you heard of similar situations with someone of my experience/desire?
I would be willing to offer the Navy a period of time for Officer status/reinstatement mainly to get bck back what they should've given me  - for retirement. I am in good health.
Thank you for your time,
Richard Waite AT1, AC, SSBN, US Navy Veteran

ANSWER: Richard:

 First, thanks for your prior service.  

If you are retired, and drawing retired pay, it would be difficult to get back to the reserves, and nearly impossible to do active.  I know that for Marines, those who retire with less than 30 years can return to active duty if they request it, (or are ordered to do so), but it's a difficult process.


My suggestion is to talk to a reserve recruiter, and see what they tell  you.  That's likely not much help, but going from retired to a back on duty' status is not something I've dealt with, (other than callbacks, which are a different situation entirely).  The recruiter will have the most up to date and spot on information and could point you in the right direction.

Jason

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: with regard to the LDO and CWO programs - with what i have told you in a previous email -- is this possible? As you had said "if I was retired and drwaing retirement pay" - I am not --- I did receive a preposted card in the mail to download the forms for retirement pay ago 60 which is next year (June 29) as I indicated.
What about qualifications for these programs where I already have a BS and working to finish my Masters - would that qualify me?
Thanks for your quick response...
Richard Waite


Answer
Richard:

 You might be able to slide in under the radar then, but the kicker may come when you hit 60, be it officer or enlisted.  If you haven't been a commissioned officer before (and you indicated you hadn't), the age is going to play a factor.  The CWO program might take you, but if you have to exit the military at age 60 no matter what due to mandatory retirement, then they likely won't look at you because of that.  I would contact the local USNR recruiter and find out, but I'm thinking due to age (not qualifications) you won't be eligible.

Jason